How to respond to Fife’s deficiency report
How to resubmit to the City of Fife after plan check corrections, in the words of Fife’s own page. Each fact links to its source.
From Fife’s own page, read October 30, 2026: cityoffife.org
What the City of Fife calls it
The City of Fife calls its correction letter “deficiency report”.
How to resubmit after Fife plan check corrections, at a glance
In our words, from Fife’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Create a portal account and link it to your permit contact.
- Check deficiency reports for your permit inside the portal account.
- Upload your revised plans through that same portal account.
From Fife’s own page, read October 31, 2026: cityoffife.org
What to include
- Uploaded documents must be a non-password protected PDF document
From Fife’s own page, read October 30, 2026: cityoffife.org
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2021 International Building Code.
Local amendments to the building code
Any city or county may amend the state building code; amendments that affect houses and apartments need State Building Code Council approval first.
Official links
- Resubmittal instructions
- Online Permit Center
- Building department page
- Community Development: 253-922-9624 (ci-fife-wa.smartgovcommunity.com, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 5411 23rd Street East, Fife, WA 98424 (fifewa.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
Washington rules every plan check here follows
These come from Washington law and state agencies, so they apply in Fife as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
Washington's current building code is based on the 2021 model codes and took effect on March 15, 2024.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Next edition
The next update, based on the 2024 codes, is scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2027.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Local amendments
A city or county may change the state code for its own area, but its changes cannot weaken the code's minimum standards.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.040, checked October 31, 2026
Rules are locked in when you apply
A complete building permit application is reviewed under the building and zoning rules that were in effect on the date it was filed.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.095, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to deficiency report has
General guidance, not the City of Fife’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other Washington city guides
How we help
Send us the whole deficiency report. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Fife yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Fife and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
What does the City of Fife call its correction letter?
The City of Fife calls it “deficiency report”.
How do I respond to Fife’s deficiency report?
In short: Create a portal account and link it to your permit contact. Check deficiency reports for your permit inside the portal account. Upload your revised plans through that same portal account. Answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet.
What should a resubmittal to Fife include?
In general: a response letter answering each comment, the revised drawings with changes marked, and any new calculations or reports the comments ask for. The City of Fife may ask for more, so check with it before you send.
Where do I send my resubmittal to Fife?
The City of Fife’s online permit portal is Online Permit Center, linked on this page. Ask the building department how it wants resubmittals sent if its instructions don’t say.
How long does Fife take to review a resubmittal?
Review times change with workload. Ask the building department at 253-922-9624.
Does Fife charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Community Development at 253-922-9624 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Fife send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Community Development at 253-922-9624 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Fife?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Fife or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.